Wolf tracks verified in Whitman County

ENDANGERED SPECIES -- Wolf sightings have been reported in Whitman County off and on for several years, but last week, Washington Fish and Wildlife biologists were able to verify wolf tracks in the Palouse.

Two biologists verified one set of wolf tracks in the Rock Lake area, about two miles from where wolf sightings had been reported in the Ewan area.

They surmise the wolves may be wandering in from packs established in Idaho, just a short hop away for a wandering wolf.

Wolf tracks are huge in the canine world, measuring at least 4 inches long -- twice the size of a coyote track.

The agency last week had to denounce rumors that it was releasing wolves in the Palouse and that wolves had attacked horses.

Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.